COLCHESTER 0 TOWN 1

Town fans got their first view of Adam Webster as a goal from Brett Pitman edged out Colchester at the Weston Homes Stadium.

The summer signing from Portsmouth stepped up his recovery from an ankle injury with a second-half appearance for Blues, with Pitman’s cool finish seven minutes before half-time proving the difference between the teams.

Owen Garvan lined up for the home side, who had another ex Blue, John McGreal, in the manager’s seat for what has become a regular fixture in Town’s pre-season calendar.

Denny Johnstone had the first shot of note on 20 minutes, former Colchester ‘keeper Dean Gerken saving comfortably, Tommy Smith them smothering the danger as Johnstone looked to get on the end of Craig Salter’s pass.

Smith headed wide from Kevin Bru’s free-kick but it was Colchester who edged what there was of the chances in the opening half hour and Kurtis Guthrie was inches away from converting Brennan Dickenson’s cross.

Garvan sent a right footer wide from 25 yards before Town got the breakthrough, Paul Digby’s ball over the top wasn’t dealt with by the home defence and Pitman rounded Sam Walker to score from the angle.

Digby found Pitman with a 50 yard pass soon after, the striker showing a good touch to pull the ball down and from Bru’s cross, Andre Dozzell almost got in at the far post.

Walker saved low down from Pitman as Town threatened a second before the break.

Teddy Bishop won a free-kick on the edge of the box after entering the fray on the hour, Cameron Stewart whipping the free-kick just over.

Stewart’s corner was met by Smith but Colchester blocked the danger, Bru’s free-kick then evading all after Bishop had been brought down again.

Daryl Murphy got his first taste of pre-season, Webster his first taste of wearing a Town shirt in a flood of changes midway through the half.

Murphy’s touch set up Bishop who appeared to be caught in the box but no penalty given by referee Gavin Ward.

Cole Skuse’s clever pass found Shane McLoughlin in the box but the young Irishman couldn’t take advantage.

Chris Porter had a shot deflected wide in the closing stages for Colchester in their clearest chance of the 90 minutes but Town held on for the win to take the Alderton Trusler Cup across the border.